Imagine combining the corporate intrigue of a management simulator with the dark, thrilling excitement of bioengineering and zombie lore. That’s exactly what Rightsized Games has delivered with their latest release, Undead Inc. This game takes the resource management genre and injects it—quite literally—with high-stakes decisions and morally ambiguous choices.
In Undead Inc., players find themselves at the helm of a local subsidiary of the Endswell Medical Corporation. Your mission: navigate the treacherous waters of corporate competition and scientific innovation, while managing a workforce that ranges from entry-level lab techs to highly skilled yet ethically flexible researchers. The setting is rich, unique, and surprisingly new. It’s a testament to the creative potential of video games, filling a niche that many gamers have been yearning for—the opportunity to live out an “Umbrella Corporation” fantasy without the constant dread of imminent zombies (most of the time).
Terrifyingly Thrilling Setting
The game revolves around the balance between creating groundbreaking medical treatments and developing somewhat more insidious bioweapons. The storyline weaves a narrative of corporate espionage, medical ethics, and the age-old question of “just because we can, does it mean we should?” This intricate storytelling makes it a captivating experience from the get-go.
The environments are immersive, combining sleek, sterile labs with ominous underground facilities where more questionable experiments take place. The aesthetics capture a blend of modern corporate environments with a sci-fi twist, reinforcing the high-stakes atmosphere.
The High-Stakes Gameplay
From the very beginning, the game’s core loop promises both satisfaction and challenge. Building and managing your facilities involves not only the allocation of resources but also keeping an eye on the moral compass of your operations. As you expand, you’ll face dilemmas that could either propel your subsidiary to new heights or lead to catastrophic downfall.
Research missions form a significant part of the gameplay. Invest in groundbreaking medical treatments to win public favor or dive into more clandestine projects to discover experimental bioweapons that could give you the edge over competitors.
Trade mechanics add an extra layer of complexity. You’ll need to negotiate deals, manage supply chains, and ensure that you remain profitable. External pressures from rival companies and regulatory bodies add to the tension, forcing you to continually adapt your strategy.
Tutorial & Early Game Experience
While the game shines in many areas, its introduction to new players leaves much to be desired. The tutorial in Undead Inc. only scratches the surface, walking players through some basic controls and mechanics that are relatively easy to figure out on your own. Unfortunately, it fails to offer a deeper dive into more complex aspects like resource management and advanced research techniques. This can potentially leave new players feeling overwhelmed, as they are suddenly thrown into situations requiring delicate balancing and strategic foresight.
Performance Hiccups
Another area of concern is the game’s performance. During my time with Undead Inc., I encountered a handful of bugs, game freezes, and occasional lagging. To their credit, the developers at Rightsized Games have been proactive in addressing many of these issues through post-launch patches. However, some problems still persist, leading to an overall experience that feels slightly rough around the edges. For a title that’s been marketed as a complete release, it sometimes feels like it might benefit from a stint in early access to iron out these lingering issues fully.
The Morals of Bioengineering: Pros and Cons
Viral Victories
- Gripping Storyline and Setting: The game’s narrative and environment are both fresh and intriguing, providing a rich backdrop that keeps players engaged.
- High-Stakes Gameplay: The balance between innovative medical research and clandestine bioweapons development offers a thrilling experience.
- Complex Management Mechanics: The game provides a satisfying challenge with its intricate resource and personnel management systems.
Contagious Concerns
- Lackluster Tutorial: The introductory segment doesn’t prepare players adequately for deeper mechanics, leading to potential early frustration.
- Performance Issues: Bugs, freezes, and lagging are still present, detracting from an otherwise immersive experience.
- Early Learning Curve: The initial hours can feel overwhelming due to a steep learning curve compounded by insufficient guidance.
Undead Inc.: Undead Inc. stands as a compelling addition to the resource management genre. It offers a delightfully dark narrative coupled with deep, engaging mechanics. While its tutorial and performance issues hold it back from reaching its full potential, the core experience still shines brightly. If you can weather the initial learning curve and overlook some technical imperfections, you'll find a game that's as rewarding as it is risky. Rightsized Games has created something unique here—it's just a shame it didn't fine-tune the smaller details before launch. – Obsidian